A/N and here we go again. Shoutout to Gamelover41592 for always reviewing within half an hour from me publishing a new chapter. Talk about dedicated fans. If anyone's wondering what Zoe's new outfit looks like, look at Wonder Woman in season 3 of Young Justice with the changed color.
Small note: first part takes place between wrapping up the injustice league and meeting in Percy's apartment.
The Watchtower
October 1, 23:16
The whole Justice League gathered in conference room. They were supposed to discuss situation with the 'injustice league' and possible similar organizations, but before Batman could start, Diana spoke.
"I think that before we go into conspiracy theories and all this madness there is different matter to discuss."
Aquaman joined her. "Yes. I've heard what occurred at the cave before mission."
Most of the Leaguers sent them curious glares and then looked at Batman for some clarification. Seeing that Bruce is not going to say anything yet, Diana continued. "Neptune warned you that this could easily become suicide mission. Seriously Bruce? Sending a group of proteges against Ares?" This earned a grasp from some members. "Even if he wasn't there, that plan of yours was even more reckless when Percy decided to face the God of War solo." Batman was still silent, only sending Wonder Woman his patented Bat-stare, but she would have none of that. "You sent them to fight against seven heavy-hitters. Under normal circumstances that is the moment when any member would call for backup of at least half the league. And you sent six teenagers and a wolf." She was now fuming with anger. Since the fiasco with Wally she had to bottle it all up so she could still work with Bruce. "He warned you. He offered alternative. Yet you chose to ignore him. Based on what exactly? Your ego or your fear?"
The rest of the league was speechless. Some were worried about members of the team and what really would have happened. It was almost a miracle that Kaldur managed to get to the helmet of Fate before Joker-venom got to them. What would happen if Neptune wasn't there to face ares? What would happen if the team was just killed by villains before they completed their mission. League would probably fall in battle with the plants.
"Are you finished?" Batman asked. Wonder Woman wanted to rant some more, but he didn't give her a chance. "Sending the team was only logical course of action. They got the element of surprise at their hand and they were more than ready. If whole league was pulled, how many people would have died from the plants? Even if just half of the league? This was a decision for greater good."
This time, it was Green Arrow who spoke. "And don't you think others should also give some input in such decision? We have newest communication system available for a reason. I am sure it could be discussed over quickly."
"I did not want to distract you from protecting civilians."
Black Canary got angry "So you decided you have to shield us? Withhold information for our own good?"
"Let's face it. Batman doesn't trust anyone but himself. I wouldn't be surprised if he carried kryptonite and some flash-repellent in his belt so he could take us down if we turned." Barry spoke up next.
"Believe me he does." Said Green Arrow. "I think it's safe to assume he has a way to defeat any of us right now." This caused murmuring all around the table
"Enough!" Superman shouted and all eyes turned to him. There was now dead silence in the room. "Batman made a mistake, but we all do." He noticed Diana was about to speak again, but he stopped her. "Let me finish. He made a mistake, but we can't kick him out of the league for one wrong decision."
"The team, secret ops team that batman created, almost died there. That is not a mere mistake you walk away from. This mistake could be avoided if he trusted Percy."
"Yeah. What is your problem with him anyway?" Aquaman asked. He came to like Percy over the time, even with their rocky beginnings.
"He is a wild card. He has enough power to destroy a city." Images of bayou after the fight appeared. Trees were broken and dead, hall of Injustice was a ruin, there were multiple cracks.
"So? So can I and probably half the league." Captain Atom stated.
"But you all have rules. You do not kill. He is willing to cross that line and take a life. He already killed and he said he would do it again. He took a life..."
"Of a criminal about to murder woman in front of her daughter." Diana stopped him. "any court would write it off as justifiable homicide without second thought. He had to make a choice and he chose to act. Just because he doesn't condone to your believes doesn't mean he is automatically a 'threat' and 'liability'."
"Homicide is never justified. He killed and was willing to kill again."
"Excuse me, but did you see who he fought?" John Stuart asked. "If this is the kind of enemies he faces on regular basis, gods and monsters of such power... Subduing is not an option. It is kill or be killed. He is trained soldier who went god knows through what."
"That is no excuse. Superman faced..."
"Now you are deluding yourself Bruce." Green Arrow once again interrupted him. "You just can't let go of the fact that not everyone bends to your ways."
"Excuse me, but is this supposed to be 'pick on batman day'? I thought we met here to discuss the Injustice league." Hal Jordan asked. "Besides, Batman is right. If league left their posts, many innocent people would have died."
"Yeah! And besides Batman is right. Killing can't be justified. Kill for kill is rule of beast." Captain Marvel spoke, accessing his wisdom of Solomon for the last part.
"He put innocents in danger. With all the respect for the team, they barely did it. If the whole league went there and dealt with the villains, we could end it in minutes. We had numbers advantage and power. It could have been planned better if he actually trusted us." Hawkman spoke.
"The truth is he doesn't trust anyone. He drove Neptune to go solo. If he actually trusted others and wasn't such a prick, maybe Roy wouldn't just run to go solo either." Flash sent a deadly glare to Bat.
"Batman is acting in the best interest." Said Martian Manhunter in his monotonous voice. "I believe his actions were, given the circumstances, justified."
"Justified? He sent your niece practically to her death." Flash didn't want to let it go. "If it wasn't for Neptune, then... I don't want to imagine."
"In the end it all turned great, right?" Billy wanted to discharge the atmosphere.
"But what if it didn't?" Wonder woman spoke again. "His distrust, stubbornness and close-mindedness are putting people in danger. Someone like that should not lead the Justice league." Some members grasped for air, completely taken aback by sudden declaration. "I call for vote of no confidence for Batman's leadership and urge to accelerate election of next leader." She spoke with diplomatic experience gained from years as ambassador of Amazons.
Batman only growled in response. He didn't expect Diana to go that far. He really hoped it would end on some arguing and they would proceed. He underestimated how close she had become with Perseus during the time they spent together.
"Okay. I think everything was already said, so if no one wants to add anything, let's move to vote." Superman said in a bit unsure voice.
Jump City
October 2, 14:53
Diana was furious. Somehow Ra's Al'Ghoul managed to get a drop on them and then escape. She had to stay and help Percy so he wouldn't die on her. After the whole mess with League meeting yesterday she hoped this would be more peaceful day. Sadly, no such luck. She wanted to carry him to the couch, but she noticed he started to snuggle to Zoe in his sleep. She remembered how he always woke back at Themyscira, hugging his comforter. Oh well... she brought them a blanket and covered them. It didn't escape her that former huntress actually reciprocated and also embraced him in her sleep. This brought smile to Amazon's face. They will be up for a surprise when they wake up...
It took the two otherworldly heroes another hour to wake up. Percy was first. Once he realized who he was hugging, he immediately let go, but this in turn caused Zoe to wake. She connected the dots and realized that they were both snuggling in sleep. She wanted to be angry, but it was actually strangely comforting. His body was warm and soft, serving as a nice pillow. Instead of hitting him like he expected, she turned to look Diana straight in her eyes.
"Not. A. Word. To. Anyone." She said through gritted teeth. Amazonian Princess giggled. Percy watched the exchange. Then, he noticed new outfit Zoe was wearing.
Eager to direct everyone's attention from the incident he spoke quickly. "Zoe, when did you managed to get a new super suit?"
Confused huntress looked down. "Oh! This. That is a gift from my lady."
"what? When did Lady Artemis manage to give this to you?"
"I guess when I used this..." She handed him the box of Olympian Pills.
"Oh!" His mouth formed almost a perfect circle.
"What is this?" Asked Diana as she noticed symbols of all the major gods.
"An apology from the Gods." Percy said. For a second he hesitated, not sure if he should explain everything, but he trusted Diana and Zoe most likely already knew about this. "When they sent me here they lied to me about some things, making sure that I would actually come here, not to mention countless other deceptions. Each of those contain a fraction of the essence of one of the gods. They quite literary make me a god for limited period of time." Diana was stunned at the revelation.
"Actually, after I used Athena's essence, I figured some things. Guess power of wisdom does come in handy." He continued. "Firstly, this world is full of energies, both magical and not. We demigods are connected to this energy directly. Our godly part is drawing straight from the source. It can be dangerous for stronger demigods unless proper steps are taken to shield them. When I got my father's trident it changed my body so I wouldn't die from too much power. When Cassie came, I bound her to Diana, who was already used to this energy and could serve as a filter." He paused to let that sink. Some residual traces of Athena's energy still influenced his personality, making him act a bit like a professor during lecture.
"But what about me?" Zoe asked confused.
"Well, your new body was created from shattered Riptide. I can only assume that it was already adapted to withstand the strain of greater power."
"So what you are saying is that all demigods in this world are overpowered in comparison to anything else?"
"Yes. If the theory I formed is correct any of the three of us could actually defeat superman. Also, Diana, you do not use your full potential yet. Well, I don't think any of us do. I believe we can do much, much more." He finished.
"There is something I wanted to tell you." Zoe said. "When I used the essence of my lady trying to heal you, I actually met with her face to face. She told me some things and then blessed me. She wouldn't accept my oath, but she said that if I really wanted to play a hero, she would want me to be prepared. She gave me this." She detached the bow from her back. There was still no quiver, but she just pulled the string back. As soon as she did that, an arrow flickered into existence. It was a beautiful silver arrow with jagged tip.
"Whoa. Nice." Percy admired the bow.
"Yes. And watch this." She focused for a moment. Arrow's tip turned into mixture of red and yellow. "I have my own arsenal of trick arrows."
"That is so cool."
"I must agree with Percy. This is a great weapon, suitable for warrior such as yourself." Diana also admired the bow.
"That is not everything." Zoe put the bow back, arrow disappeared without exploding. She crossed her arms in front of her chest, forming an 'X' from the bracelets she wore. He armor disappeared and she wore her normal clothes again. "Now I do not need to worry about carrying my super suit everywhere." Said Zoe excitedly. Percy wondered where did the serious and no-fun huntress went.
"But you will still need a mask." Diana said. Zoe shook her head.
"Nope" She gave them a grin. Percy wondered what exactly did she talk with Artemis about that her attitude to others changed so much. "The circlet I wear is creating my personal mist. Normal mortals won't be able to make the connection in their heads even if I will look the same. Unless I tell anyone about who I am, they will have hard time figuring it out." She explained.
"I would be jealous if I didn't have my own epic equipment." Percy joked.
"Yeah. There is one more thing I wanted to talk with you about." Diana started. "Yesterday, while you were celebrating the victory after battle, Justice League had a meeting. Batman received heavy scolding for his stubbornness and distrust. He really doesn't like you, you know." On that Percy scowled. "Anyway, in the end I called for the vote of no-confidence." There was a pause before she continued. "From today onward, Batman is no longer the leader of Justice league. He was also did out of the team. League elected captain atom as both new leader and person responsible for the team. You can imagine Bat is not happy about it." This put a smile on everyone's faces.
"good. Not that I don't like him... But I don't like him." Percy summarized.
"Maybe now you would consider joining the team? They miss you." Diana asked with voice full of hope. "Look. The league will be accepting new members at the end of December and you are the prime candidate after how you defeated Ares, saving the protegees.
"Hm... What do you think Zoe?" He turned to the huntress in question. She already knew everything there was to know about his standing in this world.
"Well. I think we could do this. What? You didn't think I would let you go there alone. There must be some balance. Males can't have all the fun." She joked and highfived Diana again. "But first, we are going after the shadows."
"What?" Both Wonder Woman and Neptune asked completely baffled by her declaration.
"Nobody attacks my friends and gets away with it." She said in protective tone. "I may have not exactly been on my best behavior toward you when we first met Percy, but you've proven that you are the only descent male I know. This Ra's Al'ghoul on the other hand is just a traitorous idiot. You gave him a chance to walk away and he chose to attack you. I will have none of that." She said in determination and Diana actually felt sorry for the guy. But only for a fraction of second before she remembered that he stabbed her favorite cousin, who she came to think of as a brother. "So where do I find the guy and who is going with me?" Zoe finished before putting on her full super suit. Percy pressed the buckle of his belt and he was in his armor too.
"You will find them on infinity island. I do not know exact location, but..."
"It's an island on the sea. That is all I needed to know." Neptune grinned. "Zoe, you will need a superhero name if you really want to do this seriously."
"I already thought about it." She smiled. "Call me huntress."
Diana wanted to protest, saying that this is the name of a retired criminal, but she gave up. After all there is more than one green lantern.
"Simple, elegant, easy to remember. I like it." Said Percy. "So with that done, what are we waiting for?"
"Wait! You can't just waltz in and kill them all!" Diana practically screamed. While she wasn't killing when it was justified, slaughtering island full of criminals was insane even for her. "Many of this people were taken from their homes and forced into this life. Raised into killing, never knowing any other option."
"Cool your head D. Who said anything about killing?" Percy asked light-heartedly. "I do not plan any mass murder at least until next Friday." He said in his sassy tone. "Seriously though, I will not go around slaughtering mooks if I can help it. My target is Ra's Al'ghoul. I want to get him a message. I do not appreciate what he did."
Zoe drawn her bow again and created another type of arrow, with blunt end. "It's enchanted to simulate injuries from the real arrows. If I hit someone in spot that would result in kill, he will be paralyzed for about an hour. Likewise if I hit an arm, it will go limp."
Diana looked at the two and shook her head. "It's still an island of trained assassins."
Percy just chuckled. "Zoe has four thousand years of experience in hunting all types of monsters. I am pretty sure if she wanted she could storm the place by herself."
Diana relented. "Fine, but I am going with you in case you go over your head. So want to enlighten me how do we find this place? It is protected by the very same enchantment that is placed on themyscira. Only if you already know it's exact location you are able to get there."
"Good thing we know someone who was there, right Huntress?" Percy said while pulling his phone and dialing a number. After two signals someone picked up. "Roy? I need a favor. Remember how you saved Doctor Sterling from infinity island..."
Like every day after school Artemis zeta-beamed to the star labs to visit Wally. He was stable, but his body had hard time regenerating the damage. Best scientists worked on finding a way to heal him faster, but it was a miracle he was still breathing. Even after he woke up, he would be paralyzed and need a pacemaker. She would give anything to get him back. The longer she spent with him, the more she realized that behind this first impression of immature boy there was golden heart and he was actually funny from time to time. If only he stopped chasing after every girl in ten mile radius proximity...
Suddenly, lights in the room flickered. Power was cut and machines stopped showing anything. While he was stable, she had no idea what would happen now that all the electronics were disabled. She tried to scream for help. She wanted to call the doctors, electricians, anyone, but no voice came from her throat. The darkness engulfed the room until the only object visible was the chair she was sitting and Wally laying in bed.
"What are you willing to sacrifice? What would you give away to get him back?" A dark voice came to her from emptiness.
"You can heal him?" She answered the question with another question. Her voice was full of hope, but she dreaded what would come next. In the past she read about demons and other mystical creatures. She wouldn't believe it back then, but now she met an actual demigod, a lord of order, lord of chaos and several other strange things. That tends to broaden the horizons.
"For a price. What will you sacrifice for a boy who doesn't even love you back?" This dark voice mocked her. Her heart suddenly pained. She remembered every time he ignored her and chased after M'gann who was not interested. Deep down she wished someone would go after her like that. Then she remembered when right after their adventure in tower of fate they talked in the trophy room. Sure he was still being goofy, but they connected for just brief moment. She was sure that there could be something more between them.
"What do you want?" She finally asked. In front of her appeared a necklace. It was shaped like three-bladed star formed from deltoids. Each 'arm' had a purple gem embed into it. They were held in place by circle in the middle and another ring around the height of the gems. Everything was hanging on the leather cord
"Swear your allegiance to me and me alone. You will answer to my every command and you will do as I ask you to. You will not reveal the nature of this deal to anyone. In exchange, I will heal him and make sure that he sets his eyes on you." The voice spoke from darkness. At the last words he seemed amused, like he knew something she did not. She had no idea who that was and what was going on really.
Somewhere in the back of her head alarm bell rang. She was fighting with herself. She wanted to save Wally, but a small, sane part of her mind held her back. Why would she want to give up her life for this irritating boy. He was nothing but trouble.
But We want trouble. Her voice spoke in her head. That is why We joined the team. To find trouble. Adventure. This is an adventure welcoming us. A brand new adventure.
But... We would give up everything really. We don't know what he will want us to do. What if even if we get Wally, he will leave me? We will sacrifice our freedom for nothing... Artemis reasoned in her head. She tried to fight the urge to just grab the necklace, which she guessed was what will seal the deal.
So we should abandon the chance because we fear abandonment? because our sister left us, saying we are too weak? Not everyone is her. We are stronger now. It is time to prove it and make a decision.
Artemis took another look at Wally. He was sleeping so peacefully that you could forget that his body was literary fighting for survival at each moment. He had nothing to blame for it but himself really. He was rash and didn't think before acting (or eating in this case) but that is exactly how she liked him. She grabbed the necklace and the voice in darkness laughed.
"Good. You made your choice. Once you put it on, you will be be bound to serve me. As long as you will wear it, the deal will be on. If you ever take it off, your friend here will return to this state, or even worse." He let the threat hang in the air. "Do not betray me, or you will see him suffer through fate worse than death. He will beg you to end it." She shivered at the thought. An image of Wally all in pain, with his organs burning, appeared before her eyes. The memory she so much wanted to forget returned to her. That was one of the scariest moment in her life. She was powerless. She couldn't do anything to help him or even soothe the pain. A bit reluctantly she put on the necklace. Some small part of her rational mind tried to fight, but she made a decision already and she wasn't willing to back away. Once the clip was locked and star hanged loosely about an inch above her breast she suddenly woke up.
She fell asleep in the room, holding Wally's hand. She looked around, but no one was here except the two of them. For a moment she dismissed this as a very strange dream, but then, when she moved her head she felt something on her neck. looking down she noticed the very amulet from her dream. So it was real... Or at lest semi-real. Her train of thoughts was cut short when suddenly Wally's grip on her hand tightened. She immediately looked at him to see his eyes open.
"Hello there beautiful. Who are you waiting for?" wally asked, still weakened from the whole ordeal. She noticed small sparks of lightning jumping around his body. One stung her in the hand, but it almost didn't hurt.
"You are awake!" She screamed and was ready to jump and hug him, but stopped herself remembering that not so long ago his internal organs were badly burned.
"Yes and I must say this is the best way to wake up: looking at beautiful girl holding my hand." He tried to get up, but she stopped him.
"Where do you think you are going? First you need to be properly checked up."
"Whatever you say sweetheart."
They looked in each other eyes and slightly melted. Neither realized that a man with red eyes clad in yellow version of Flash outfit observed them through camera. Said man crashed his coffee mug in anger. Ares just ruined everything he worked so hard to put in motion.
Infinity Island
October 2, 18:33
Ra's Al'ghoul was preparing for teleconference. Revers-Flash had some problem that he demanded The light to solve. After he dealt with Percy he was put in good mood so he voted to agree and hear what Eobard wanted. He stood in secret room, filled with light blue panels that could easily change color. This was a state of art technology. One of the benefits he had from joining forces with others was that together they had easier access getting what they wanted and their goals aligned.
Suddenly, the whole island shook in it's core. Immediately, he activated the camera view. What appeared in front of him froze the blood in his body. It was not possible. He couldn't be here. The poison should have killed him in minutes. Not even ambrosia could save him. Not even Lazarus pit could fully negate the effects of the poison, leaving the victims in between life and death in constant struggle. Yet, there he was, wrecking his island. Perseus 'Neptune' Jackson was sound and breathing, here to get his revenge. In that moment Ra's knew he was dead man walking. Even if he himself survived, The League of Shadows would be shattered.
At this moment Shiva, Deathstroke, Sportsmaster, Cheshire and Sensei run into the chamber.
"Forgive my intrusion o great one, but we have a problem." Shiva started.
"I am aware of the situation at hand." The demons head tried to regain his composure and not show the fear. The sight of sea-green eyes starring directly into his came from his memory. The threat that was left hanging drained his breath. Ra's Al'ghoul, man who run shadows for over six hundred years was afraid of what was coming. Ares briefed them on his misadventures and his chances weren't high.
"What should we do Great One?" Cheshire asked. She was cursing the day she decided to ghost on Percy. Ra's gave her ultimatum. Either she returns to the league of shadows or she will be banished and bounty will be put on her head. She obediently returned, leaving without a word. She took advantage of whatever caused Percy to run in the middle of the day.
Ra's took a deep breath. "Evacuate the island. Try and save as many as you can. We must abandon this place."
"We aren't going to fight? This punk should be put in his place!" Sportsmaster wanted to settle the score with Neptune.
"Fool! If you think you can actually take him down without some sort of specialized weapon you can just as well go and try beat superman with a newspaper." Cheshire growled at her father.
"She is right. This is not the fight we can win." Deathstroke said, pointing at the feed. Now, side by side with Percy fought Wonder Woman, using her lasso to tie the assassins, and unknown heroine who shot arrows at them. Arrows did not kill them, but they all were knocked out even after one hit. Either some poison or her bow was magical. Either was they were outmatched.
"What am I supposed to tell others to uphold my reputation? What of the Shadows reputation? After this we will loose all credibility." Sportsmaster was more worried about his reputation than saving his ass.
"I gave you an order!" Ra's said in irritated voice. "Now execute it without further questions." They all bowed to him and spread, hoping to not encounter any of the heroes. Out of the three wonder woman seemed like the least scary and that said something.
Percy, Zoe and Diana stormed the island on dusk. The Huntress fought with deadly precision and no emotions. She was walking though the island, taking out anyone on her way. The whole island was shaking, buildings were falling apart. Neptune did not even need to use his trident. Most of the job was already done for him by raging earthquake. If he wanted, he could bring the island down with everyone on board, but he couldn't be sure that there aren't some innocents here. He just went on with punching the assassins that Zoe left for him. She seemed tense, like something happened when he passed out and she used Artemis' essence, but he didn't ask. It seemed pretty personal. Good thing this world had plenty of ways for her to work it all out. The one she seemed to like best so far was to shoot arrows at assassins, but maybe they would find her something else. At this rate they would run out of criminals before she run out of arrows. Maybe because she had infinite arrows, but he meant figuratively. Diana closed the march, acting as a rear guard. She chose to let the two of them have fun. it gave her opportunity to see how well they worked together.
At first when she thought about it it struck her as wrong for unknown reason, but then Percy compared it to raid on some drughouse or illegal fighting ring, something police did every time. Justice League charter did give her jurisdiction on the international water, thanks to Atlantis input on the matter. Assembly was scarred enough of the unknown force when they first appeared that a special addition was made to already existing U.N. Charter that gave heroes some authority there. It worked only with international criminals, but League of Shadows definitely fits that definition.
The three heroes forced their way through the island, leaving most assassins paralyzed or badly beaten. Finally, they got to some meditation garden where the familiar group of contract killers greeted them. There were two more peoples with them. A woman who was clearly related to Ra's and an old man in kimono, holding a sword. He was blind on the one eye and had several large scars on his body.
"So... You came to infinity island to join the league of Shadows, or perhaps to find your own death?" Asked the old man.
"Neither, but if you do not shut up, I will show you yours." Zoe said with an arrow drawn. "Where is Ra's Al'Ghoul?"
"The great one is busy and you would do well to show a proper respec..." Thalia never finished because blunt arrow hit her leg, causing excruciating pain to overcome her. She fell on the ground, clutching the place where arrow hit. Said projectile already turned into moonlight and disappeared.
"I would listen to her if I were you. I don't think I will be able to stop her from using the ones with sharp points." Percy joked.
After their first superhero act back at the mall he had to sit down with her and explain the rules in this world. No killing irritating males, no maiming random boys on the street just for looking at her, limit threatening the pizza delivery guys or they would slowly starve, this kind of things. She had really hard time understanding the whole 'knock the bad guys out' rule at first. While he was more accustomed to sparing lives, she spent millennia killing monsters and males that trespassed. Times have changed a bit for hunters too, but not just enough. Finally, she accepted that there were limits. He didn't exactly agree with it himself, but this wasn't their world and they had to deal with it. If given the reason to, they would both take down for example Joker permanently.
"You know who I am. If I wanted, I could wipe this island of the face of the ocean and none of you would be able to stop me." He said in calm voice, but threat hanged in the air. Cheshire took a step back.
"Well. I don't know about you, but I am convinced to just let him pass and get the hell out of here." She turned to where her father and Slade were standing. "Bye boys. I would say it was a pleasure knowing you, but it would be a lie." She turned back to Percy. "Call me maybe some other time, when we are off work. I liked that night." She purred, enjoying the angry face Zoe made before jumping into the shadows.
"TRAITOR!" Screamed Thalia after her. Percy was completely obvious to five trained assassins in front of him. He turned to his companions.
"It was nothing. We had to share a bed and woke up hugging. I swear it's just it, nothing more. There was..."
Sportsmaster smiled under his mask before interrupting him. "Don't swear. I heard it's not polite punk." He really reminded Percy of Ares. They were incredibly similar in demeanor. Both stupid, overconfident and rash. And then there was this glimmer of intelligence, showing that they actually had some skill. He had his javelin pulled and Percy noticed that they were all a bit tense. Zoe did too, but she was quicker to make a connection.
"They are stalling us. Covering their master's escape."
"Very good kid. You would make perfect assassin. Sadly, I think old sensei should teach you a lesson!" The old man Jumped at Zoe, but she sidestepped and bashed him in the back with palm of her hand, sending him into the ground. Other assassins took it as a signal to attack and jumped at the heroes. Percy Got three he faced before and Diana got Thalia.
Percy was moving like a stream of water, swiftly dodging between all of three of his opponents. Deathstroke, Shiva and Sportsmaster tried to work on some kind of synergy, but their attacks did more bad than good. Shiva slashed with her swords, but the strike was intercepted with trident and redirected at Slade, who in turn had to block, foregoing his own initiative. Sportsmaster tossed his exploding Javelin, but Neptune caught it and without loosing any momentum sent it flying. It hit into the doors of the palace on this island, creating a hole in the doors. Angry assassin rushed at hero with another javelin drawn, but Percy kicked him, sending him flying into the nearby tree, knocking him unconscious.
Diana had to deal with daughter of the demon. She had to admit that the woman was well trained. Still, she was no match for an amazon. Fight would probably be longer if not for the sound of helicopter blades. Four different machines flew in four directions of the world. This effectively ended the fight as all assassins dropped smoke pellets and disappeared.
"Talk about stalling." Percy tried to joke, but they all felt a bit beaten. There was no point in chasing them. Even if Neptune and Huntress could fly, there were only three of them and four helicopters. Good chances, but not good enough. They still managed to get a healthy amount of Shadows in custody, as well as Sensei and Sportsmaster, two high-profile targets. In matter of less than an hour, this island will be swarming with law enforcement.
In a hidden underground bunker Ra's Al'Ghoul awaited the storm to pass. His decoys worked and heroes were sure that he was off the island. This place was pretty much impossible to find now that he locked himself here. There was enough food to survive until he could safely travel away.
Seven screens lightened up in front of them, revealing faces of his closest allies. Vandal Savage, Lex Luthor, Queen Bee, Brain, Klarion, Black Manta and helmet of Ares, now barely able to speak. The small amount of his essence clanged to this plane of existence, trying to maintain anchored. He was able to communicate through his helmet, but he was very limited beyond that.
Next to vandal Savage stood Eobard Thrawn, also known as Reverse-Flash. He was the one that demanded the meeting with the light and they agreed to hear him out. "This is outrageous. I spend months putting the scheme in motion, only for it to be foolishly exploited by Ares!" RF said with anger.
"Would you care to elaborate?" Luthor asked, clearly amused by the conflict between one of their agents and the god of war.
"I spent months trying to get everything right. Can you imagine how hard it was to get my hands on ambrosia and plant it in place where this half-witted speedster would eat it? Then I had to constantly monitor him in Star Labs, dosing him and this girlfriend of his with pheromones to accelerate their relationship, all while making sure he does not recover by giving him a serum that temporarily weakened his connection to the speed force." He took a breath so in the rush of emotions he would not start speaking in super speed. "I effectively removed two members of this covert team that caused you such trouble. I ensured that the right version of future would come to existence, but now it is all thawed by this supposed god of war."
"What did you do Ares?" Asked Klarion, who also took great pleasure in this whole ordeal. "Gave him a heart attack when he saw your face?"
"I gained a new operative for the light, one that will without doubt follow every order. I planted the seed of doubt in their both heads and exploited the blossoming relationship to ensure they will serve the light before anyone else."
"And what exactly did you do? How did you even reach them with your power?" Queen Bee suspected that Ares wasn't being completely honest with them about everything, but then again no one here was.
"I used resources already at my disposal. The Amulet of Treachery. I enhanced it. As long as she follows my orders he lives. What she doesn't know is that she lives only as long as he follows my order. If he decides to oppose me, the necklace will choke her. I made a pact with both of them, promising them the love that was already there and his well being that would also return. Your serum was slowly becoming ineffective doctor. He was overcoming it." Ares gave a dark laugh.
"No. That is not possible. It can't be overcome unless... unless... I would have to run more tests, but I... I have no idea how is that possible." They all knew he was lying to them, but for now they ignored him. Silently, they agreed to monitor him closer.
"If that is the only matter..." Vandal started, but Ra's interrupted him.
"I have news about Perseus." He tried to gather his words and finally explained the whole thing. "Not only he survived the poison, but also he stormed the Infinity Island, taking out most of the League of Shadows and forcing me to take drastic measures to escape. I await extraction at the bunker."
"that is indeed unfortunate turn of events. Is there any other way to deal with the boy?" Savage, although he didn't show it in any way, became seriously worried about his plans. This young man was the greatest unknown in the whole equation.
"Working on a suitable host for Ares are on it's way. If we succeed, he will squash him like a bug." Luthor informed. "My calculation shows that combined power of host body and Ares' godly essence will be powerful enough to face entire league and win."
"Excellent. Then there is nothing to worry about." Said Savage before teleconference ended and each party returned to their own work.
A/N Boom. And done. Sorry that the fight was so short but I just couldn't find any inspirational way how he could wipe the floor with them this time. They will meet again later on.
So... Wally is back and both he and Artemis are under Ares' influence. What is he playing? You will find out in time.